Nature photography is particularly enjoyable when exploring new territory, but potential destinations are often made a little less attractive by the required hikes. Sometimes it's helpful to learn the shortcuts to these beautiful spots, so that you're not quite as dead tired when you arrive! Oregon's Cascade Head is a good case in point.
The first thing to bear in mind is that you can't really drive to Cascade Head proper. GoogleMaps will show misleading driving directions, but you should just ignore that suggestion. When I first tried to hike to Cascade Head--primarily to photograph ravens along the way--I mistakenly began the hike at about the lowest point I could have chosen. Driving from Salem/Monmouth via Highway 18, I headed north at the Hwy 101 interchange towards Astoria. After about a mile, I turned left on 3 Rocks Rd, and the trailhead was then an immediate left. This was a gorgeous hike, but it was a bigger deal than I had anticipated. After more than four miles of fairly steep hiking, I called it a day. I did see some wonderful wildlife, including a family of distant ravens, but I didn't reach any ocean viewpoints by foot. (The most popular route is apparently reached by continuing further west on 3 Rocks Rd. This second trailhead offers a hike just over five miles one-way.)
I'd like to suggest, however, that you try a third option. Again, driving from Salem/Monmouth via Highway 18, I headed north at the Hwy 101 interchange towards Astoria. Rather than turning on 3 Rocks Rd, I continued up Hwy. 101's rising grade. At about the 4-mile mark from the Hwy 18 interchange, you'll catch a Forest Service access road to the left. (It comes up so quickly that I don't recommend trying to make a left turn from Hwy 101. Instead, turn around at the next wide pull-out, and turn back around safely.)
At this point, you'll see the sign above. Follow the gravel road carefully the three miles towards the Nature Conservancy Trail. While the drive is a little bumpy, the scenery is as attractive as one would expect. (Remember that traffic will suddenly appear heading the opposite direction, so be careful about taking your eyes off the road for more than a second or two.)
After three miles, you will see the trailhead sign pictured to the left. From this point, the trail to Cascade Head is a fairly easy one mile hike. Watch for birds and deer along the way and enjoy the peaceful and serene setting.
A question I have for my readers concerns star-watching from Cascade Head. Has anyone done this before? From the signage to the left, it looks like one might risk being blocked by a closed gate at the end of the evening, but I don't know if this particular worry is valid. (I've reached out to the .)
Enjoy your visit!
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I'd like to suggest, however, that you try a third option. Again, driving from Salem/Monmouth via Highway 18, I headed north at the Hwy 101 interchange towards Astoria. Rather than turning on 3 Rocks Rd, I continued up Hwy. 101's rising grade. At about the 4-mile mark from the Hwy 18 interchange, you'll catch a Forest Service access road to the left. (It comes up so quickly that I don't recommend trying to make a left turn from Hwy 101. Instead, turn around at the next wide pull-out, and turn back around safely.)
